What is the benefit of adjustable strut rods?

  -  Through the course of my restoration project, I have done extensive research into Mustang suspension and ways to improve it.  Through this research, I have learned that adjustable strut rods are an obvious choice as a means to improve suspension and handling. To understand why they are so effective, you must first comprehend the function of the strut rod in a classic Mustang.  The strut rod is there to stabilize the lower control arm in a fixed position that  prevents its movement forward and aft, but still alows it to travel vertically with suspension compression and decompression. The stock system is designed so that, during regular driving, the rubber bushing gives, allowing vertical travel as the lower control arm moves up and down.  The give in the bushings, unfortunately, has a negative side effect of unwanted movement, they compress and stretch during braking and acceleration. The result of the compression and stretching of the rubber bushings is an increase and decrease in the length of the strut rod. As the strut rod increases and decreases in length, the lower control arm is not held fixed and can move forward and aft a small amount, which puts the alignment in a constant state of change during driving. One option to remove the compression and stretching of the stock rubber bushings is to replace them with polyurethane bushings. The polyurethane reduces the movement of the strut rod, which eleviates the issue of compression and stretching, however, it has the unfortunate consequence in that it increases the effort required for normal strut rod  movement during suspension travel and puts far more strain on the strut rod than it was ever designed to handle.  I have seen many times where people have bent or broken their stock strut rods by replacing the rubber bushings with polyurethane.

  -  With negative side effects from both rubber and polyurethane, the challenge is to have a joint that freely moves vertically so as to not overtask and damage the strut rod, but is also fixed in such a way that it cannot shift forward or aft. This can be easily accomplished by using a heim joint at the bushing end of the strut rod.  An added benefit of a heim joint system is that by having two threaded ends with opposite thread directions, one on the heim joint and one at the base of the strut rod, you can use a threaded connecting tube and make the strut rods adjustable for an easier and more fine tuned alignment.

- Putting Independant Rear Susprnsion or IRS in a classic Mustang 

Page I : Why make the upgrade and Fords original IRS design
Page II : Where to find a unit, taredown, and cleaning.
Page III, Narrowing of the LCAs and half shafts and converting the Jaguar bolt pattern to a Ford bolt pattern.

- Retro fitting modern seats in a classic Mustang
 - True ram air ( Thunderbolt style )
- Increasing horsepower   "Efficiency -vs- Volume Increases"
- performing the UCA drop AKA Shelby Drop, or Arning drop on a classic Mustang, Cougar, or Falcon
- Improve Mustang suspension by building a set of  Roller Spring Perches
- Fabrication process for building a 9" rear end for a 1964.5-1966 Mustang
- Putting a modern Mustang E-brake handle in a classic Mustang.
- Understanding Bump-Steer and eliminating it or reducing it effects.
- Suspension 101 Understanding the basic concepts of Mustang Suspension including most of the aftermarket kits and options.
- Building a bolt-in spring compressor or ball joint tool.
- Home made Mustang Sub-Frame connectors

For those of you who would rather buy than fabricate :

-  Rosehill Performance Parts sells high quality adjustable strut rods at a much lower price than the other aftermarket  options.

They are available for years 1964&1/2-1966 and 1968-1970.  These are quality race proven units and they utilize high quality 5/8" heim joints.  They mount directly to the vehicle with solid professionally fabricated mounting brackets. Purchasing information for these strut rods can be found at this web page http://www.rosehillperformanceparts.com

Disclaimer on Daze Tech Tips